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How to Deal with the Bothersome Condition of Preteen Acne

Preteen acne has become more and more common. Over the last two generations, a significant drop in the average age of puberty has caused an increased number of children to enter puberty at an age earlier than what was traditionally deemed normal. Now, kids are more likely to leave the stage of prepubescence when they are nine to twelve years of age to make their way to adolescence; an occurrence that should not be considered unhealthy and uncommon.

Preteen acne accompanies the early onset of puberty that characterizes the 21st century generation of kids. Acne bothers adults, and it would bother children more. It is a condition that needs to be addressed by the parents of these young children to minimize the anxiety that will inevitably accompany such an experience.

Acne is a skin condition highly associated with the hormonal changes that accompany puberty. As children enter the age of puberty, their bodies start producing male hormone testosterones (found both in women and men). These hormones trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, an oily substance that makes the skin greasier. The excess production of sebum can lead to the pores becoming clogged. In almost all cases, the bacterium called Propionobacterium acnes that lives in human skin will thrive in the clogged pores causing infection that leads to inflammation. The inflammation is manifested in the reddening and swelling of the affected spot, thereby producing pimples or acne.

Although acne often disappears as a person ages, it is highly manifested in most teenagers and those who are on the verge of entering the puberty stage. This skin condition can cause anxiety and insecurity; and during pre-adolescence and teenage years, it is harder to deal with since these are the times when an individual’s social insecurity and psychological distress is at their highest levels. Parents of children who are experiencing early puberty should be supportive of their kids. A visit to a doctor will not go amiss since experts can provide advice on how to deal with skin problems and also give tips on how to calm the child’s anxiousness.

Preteen acne is quite normal in this age and time. Although nine and twelve-year-old kids are still considered too young to enter puberty, such things are quite common now. The ways of dealing with skin problems and their impact on a child’s self-esteem should be worked out by the children and their parents together. A thorough consultation with a physician or dermatologist is also preferable and highly recommended.